Campaigner accuses MP of ‘electioneering’

In his column in last week’s Herald, the MP for Kirkintilloch East voiced his support for chemotherapy services at the hospital.

But Lenzie man Tom Herbert said in the three years he has been leading the campaign, he and fellow campaigners have never once met nor heard from the MP.

He added: “He is latching on to an issue he knows nothing about - the hard work we and many others have strived to do for the return of the chemotherapy service. It is blatant electioneering. He has contributed nothing to have chemo returned to Stobhill.”

He said if Mr McClymont was challenging new Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy to have the issue resolved then he would have the support of campaigners.

He added: “But he won’t. It is too late now for him to gain constituency support on this issue.”

The Herald’s Facebook page has been inundated over the past few months with comments from local people backing the campaign.

Local patients have to travel to the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre at Gartnavel Hospital for chemo treatment.

Many told the Herald their illness, combined with debilitating side effects of chemo, mean the journey, often by bus, is gruelling.

However, Greater Glasgow and Clyde have said that, having investigated all options, chemo will only be provided at the Beatson.

In response to the campaigner’s comments, Mr McClymont said: “This is an issue of importance to my constituents in Kirkintilloch and the surrounding areas. I am happy to work with campaigners and politicians across the spectrum to secure these services. I’m pleased to have secured the backing of Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy.”

Mr Murphy added: “Cancer treatment is tough and it is absolutely right having access to a chemotherapy clinic at Stobhill would provide a vital service for local people.